Tualatin River - Implementation of a Comprehensive Survey for Invasive and Other Nonnative Plant Species on the Tualatin River

The proposed project will use GPS and GIS technology to quantitatively determine species occurrence of nonnative and invasive plants on refuge lands. Currently the refuge does not possess a comprehensive database to delineate and map invasive and other nonnative plant species. Collection of baseline information is essential to monitor invasive speciesabundance, track rate of expansion, perform early detection of problem species that are in the process of invading the refuge, and evaluate control efforts. . The project will utilize trained volunteers from the refuge support group, Friends of the Refuge, and the Northwest Oregon Invasive Weed Management Partnership organization assigned to the weed management zone overlaying the refuge. Volunteers will be trained and supervised by the refuge biologist to identify and map invasive plant species using handheld GPS units. Field data will be downloaded to develop a refuge GIS base map for monitoring and management of invasive species throughout the refuge utilizing The Nature Conservancy's WeedInformation Management System (WIMS) database application. Volunteers will also assist in the development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan that will incorporate adaptive management techniques to control new invasions and the expansion of nonnative and invasive species on the refuge. Funding will cover costs to purchase two handheld computers to use with GPS units to collect field data. In addition, funding will cover costs for purchase of computer support software and the biologist s salary to implement the program and train volunteers in proper field data collection procedures.

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Public: This dataset is intended for public access and use.License: No license information was provided. If this work was prepared by an officer or employee of the United States government as part of that person's official duties it is considered a U.S. Government Work.